Do you typically recommend placement of a rectal spacer prior to definitive radiotherapy, regardless of dose/fractionation?

Do the results of GU005 impact your recommendation for placement of a rectal spacer?

This question is part of our collaboration with ASTRO 2025 to highlight impactful trial data from this year's meeting. This question is inspired by the Plenary Session Presentation "Primary Results from NRG-GU005: A Phase III Trial of SBRT vs. Hypofractionated IMRT for Localized Intermediate Risk Prostate Cancer" by Dr. Rodney Ellis.

Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution

In my opinion, the potential and role of rectal spacing in minimizing toxicity is not debated. The concern about spacing relates to risks of the procedure and its associated additional cost to treatment may be greater than the potential improvement in toxicity for the patient. As we continue to show...

Comments

Radiation Oncologist at University of Arizona Cancer Center
Here is a recent paper that shows rectal spacers p...

Radiation Oncologist at Jacob E Locke MD PA
It is always prudent to review COI from study auth...

Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Community Practice

I use the "avoid" technique to ensure zero risk of injury from rectal spacers.

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Do you typically recommend placement of a rectal spacer prior to definitive radiotherapy, regardless of dose/fractionation?

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